Peter
And we're still trying to come to terms with the virgate. In some texts
its equivalent to the rod, pole pr perch and in others (Domesday for
Cornwall) the virgate is 30 acres (1/4 hide of 120 acres). And the
Cornish Acre is 60 English acres.
Isn't life interesting???
But according to my dictionary, Edmund Gunter(1581-1626), a
mathematician, invented the chain as a measure of 22 yards, and
Gunter's chain is the same a chain (cricket pitch). I wonder of Parson's
Chain plc (?) in the Black Country can throw any light??? They're the
oldest (?) chain making firm in the country. Our Edmund invented several
measures, apparently. Must have been one of the first standards
definers.
Is the Beeston the Nottingham Beeston? You've told us before but I've
forgotten.
John
In message <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask] writes
>Having raised the question about fathoms, Tony's comments about chains has
>awakened some memories from my own studies in surveying. I seem to recall
>there was also Gunter's chain which was a different length. I never recall
>using one but can recall reference in a post WW2 textbook. I wonder if Tony
>has any recollections?
>
>Peter (VICBEEST)
--
John Colby
Website at http://www.colbybos.demon.co.uk
Kite Aerial Photography: http://www.colbybos.demon.co.uk/edhenvean
Last Updated Sunday 6th June 1999
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